Opioid Addiction: Signs And Effective Treatment

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. Opioid pain relievers are meant to be prescribed by a doctor and taken for a short period of time. But opioids are often misused because they can create a euphoric feeling in addition to pain relief. Even just a short period of use can lead to opioid addiction, overdosing, and even death. If you or a loved one has become addicted, professional opioid abuse treatment can be critical for recovery.

What Types of Drugs Are Opioids?

Heroin

Codeine

Fentanyl

Tramadol

Oxycodone

Morphine

Hydrocodone

Methadone

Buprenorphine

These are some of the most common brand names of drugs that classify has opioids. Heroin is also classified as the opioid most commonly used as a recreational drug.

Street Names For Opioids

Schoolboy

Tango and Cash

Narco

Smack

Wafer

Morf

Hillbilly Heroin

Percs

Downers

Uppers

These are just a few of the common slang terms for opioids that you may hear. Some of the street name terms for opioids are interchangeable. Opioids are also sometimes called “painkillers” or “pain pills” in a generic sense.

Physical Symptoms of Opioid Addiction or Abuse

When someone is abusing opioids the following physical symptoms may emerge:

Slurred speech

Blurred vision

Nausea and vomiting

Dizziness

Drowsiness or nodding off

Slowed breathing

Constricted pupils

Physical symptoms associated with opioid use illuminate the many dangers inherent in abusing this type of drug.

Behavioral Signs of Opioid Addiction

The following behavioral signs may emerge when someone is abusing opioids:

Withdrawal from friends, family, and obligations

Poor judgement and/or confusion

Fear of being without the drug

Taking more of a prescription opioid than recommended by a doctor

Borrowing money, stealing, and or draining bank accounts to pay for the drug

Engaging in dangerous activities

Reduced effort in maintaining hygiene

Shifts in mood or personality

Secretiveness about daily schedule and lies to protect their addiction

The Importance of Opioid Abuse Treatment

Opioids alter the brain’s actual endorphins with artificial endorphins. Taking opioids over time will cause the body and mind to rely on artificial endorphins. The brain’s central nervous system and the pituitary gland will stop producing its endorphins, prompting a user to build up a drug tolerance of the drug to get the same effect. This can lead to a high risk of overdose and death.

Even if a person does not overdose, long-term opioid addiction can cause lasting negative effects, including liver damage or even brain damage. If someone is not able to prevent themselves from using more than the recommended amount, they need to seek professional help immediately from an opioid rehab center.

What to Expect at Opioid Our Opioid Treatment Program

Our expert staff will plan an opioid treatment plan for you or your loved one based on personal needs. We start off opioid rehab with inpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment is a type of treatment in which a patient is provided with 24-hour care at a live-in facility. After detoxing from opioids, days will consist of the following services:

Following inpatient drug rehab, clients will begin intensive outpatient drug rehab that involves several hours of treatment per day for several days per week. Intensive outpatient treatment allows individuals to begin transitioning back to life outside of rehab while staying on track for long-term recovery.

Start The Admissions Process Now For Effective Opioid Abuse Treatment

If you or a loved one are addicted to opioids, the first step toward recovery starts here. Our opioid treatment center admission staff are available 24/7 to take your call anytime. Reach out today for help with opioid addiction.